A video was released moments before the killing of a top health care executive on a New York street in what police say was a targeted hit.
Brian Thompson is shown walking in Manhattan when the killer appears behind a car and raises a gun – reportedly fitted with a silencer – about 15 feet away.
After the footage cuts, the shooter is shown crossing the street and disappearing. Authorities said the man fled on an electric bike toward Central Park.
Mr. Thompson was the boss of a major American health insurer. Photo: UnitedHealth Group/AP
The attacker shot Mr. Thompson several times and continued despite the gun briefly jamming, police said.
Mr Thompson, 50, was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf during the attack – which happened on Sixth Avenue around 6:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
He was taken to hospital but could not be saved.
Police released CCTV footage of the suspect
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the killer appeared to have been “waiting for several minutes” for Mr Thompson.
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence. Everything indicates that this was a premeditated, planned and targeted attack,” she said.
CCTV footage appears to show a white man wearing all-black clothing and carrying a gray backpack.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny added: “Watching the video, it appears he is very proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions quite quickly. »
Photo: NYPD/Reuters
Drones, helicopters and dogs are now involved in the hunt for the killer.
The filming location is within walking distance of tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center.
Mr. Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was chief executive of UnitedHealthcare and was murdered on his way to his investor conference at a nearby Hilton hotel.
Photo: Reuters
Marked bullets on the sidewalk of Sixth Avenue. Photo: AP
The motive for the killing is unclear, but his wife told NBC News he had received threats and suggested it may have been issues with insurance coverage.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in America and manages insurance for employers and state and federally funded programs.
The company conference started at 8 a.m. as scheduled. However, UnitedHealth Group chief executive Andrew Witty took the stage after an hour to announce that the events had been canceled.
It then removed photos of the management team from its website.
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Mr. Thompson has worked for the firm since 2004 and has led the insurance business since 2021.
“We work closely with new York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time,” a company statement said.
“Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and all his loved ones.”